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Even after autoclaving for 2 weeks in the temperature range of 120 to 200 °C, CEM I paste with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 still contains some low-crystalline C-S-H. The conversion of low-crystalline C-S-H to crystalline is faster with increasing temperature. The observed low-crystalline and crystalline C-S-H phases (reinhardbraunsite, jaffeite) indicate that the sampleshave not reached equilibrium yet under these experimental conditions. However, there is a good agreement between experiment and thermodynamic modelling for the other solids indicating that the used datasets are suitable for this application.
Materials that support natural biodiversity on their surfaces can compensate for human activities that have a negative impact on nature and thus contribute to a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world. Specifically designing bioreceptive materials which favor the growth of biofilms on their surface is an approach complementing conventional, macroscopic green façades. But what exactly characterizes a bioreceptive substrate and how do biofilm and substrate interact? How and why does a spontaneous colonization and the formation of biofilms take place? What are biofilms and how can they be established in a laboratory setting? How can this existing knowledge be transferred to the artificial stone concrete so that this material can be tuned to increase (or decrease) its bioreceptivity?
This review paper aims at summarizing the existing state of knowledge on bioreceptive concrete and pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions which can only be removed by more interdisciplinary research in the field.
The adaption of the set-up for gas permeability measurements for ultra-high performance concrete
(2022)
In the framework of this project, a steam pressure vessel was to be developed from ultra-high perfor-mance concrete (UHPC) to withstand process temperatures of 200 °C and the respective steam pressure of 15,5 bar. To guarantee the long-term water vapour tightness of the system, the permeability of two UHPC mixtures were tested after long-term cyclic autoclaving. As UPHC shows a high density and therefore low permeability, measurements after the RILEM-Recommendation (TC 116-PCD) reached their detection limit. Therefore, the measurement set-up was adapted to measure the permeability of highly dense UHPC more reliably and quickly. This adaption includes measurements in a higher pres-sure range, the change of sample size thickness and the usage of Ar as a medium compared with the RILEM Recommendation. Additionally, the system was equipped with two pressure sensors and Ar-flowmeters to guarantee a continuous record of the experimental parameters. The new system was tested and evaluated by comparing measurements with the RILEM recommended system. Preliminary results show that the adapted system is capable to provide efficient and reliable results of concrete with low permeability.
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction within concrete which can lead over time to cracking and spalling. Due to the complexity of the problem, it still causes damage to concrete constructions worldwide.
The publication aims to illustrate the interdisciplinary research of the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) within the last 20 years, considering all aspects of ASR topics from the macro to the micro level. First, methods for characterization and assessment of ASR risks and reaction products used at BAM are explained and classified in the international context. Subsequently the added value of the research approach by combining different, preferably nondestructive, methods across all scales is explained using specific examples from a variety of research projects. Aspects covered range from the development of new test-setups to assess aggregate reactivity, to analysis of microstructure and reaction products using microscopical, spectroscopical and X-ray methods, to the development of a testing methodology for existing concrete pavements including in-depth analysis of the visual damage indicator and the de-icing salt input using innovative testing techniques. Finally, research regarding a novel avoidance strategy that makes use of internal hydrophobization of the concrete mix is presented.
ln most of the ASR-test procedures, the expansion of concrete or mortar specimens is used as an indicator to assess the ASR-potential of an aggregate or a specific concrete mix. For these tests, the specimens are stored in an ASR-provoking environment, where the reaction is accelerated by elevated temperature and humidity. To measure the length change, the storage must be interrupted for at least a few minutes. Düring the 60 °C Concrete Prism Test (60 °C-CPT), the specimens are cooled down to 20 °C for 24 hours, to ensure the same hygrothermal conditions for every measurement. This limits the number of measurements during the test period and may lead to additional effects, that probably influence the expansion development.
With a recently developed device, it is possible to continuously monitor the expansion ofprisms without interrupting the ASR-provoking storage. Due to the dense database of this automated test, the results can contribute to a better understanding of the ASR-process. This study compares results of the automated and conventional 60 °C-CPT. Tests of different aggregates showed, that the results of the automated and conventional test are consistent, but the expansions during the conventional test are generally higher. Preliminary results led to the conclusion, that the cooling for the measurements leads to additional expansions. Therefore, a modified threshold should be discussed for the automated 60 °C-CPT.
If the amount of sulfate within the mix design for concrete is not balanced, ettringite formation which first controls solidification continues while the concrete is hardening. Ettringite forms by reaction of sulfate contained in the cement or in some admixture with calcium aluminate (C3A) as cement component. The “late primary ettringite formation” promotes an increase in volume within the hardened concrete leading to cracks. To analyze the effect of substituting part of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by a treated brown coal fly ash mortar bars were tested according to ASTM C452. This test method was originally developed to extrapolate from the internal to external sulfate attack and is based on the idea that by testing a concrete mixture containing sulfate the process of deterioration is accelerated because it does not have to diffuse into the concrete before reaction first. In addition to the samples prescribed in ASTM C452 further samples in the size of the German SVA procedure were tested also designed for accessing the external sulfate resistance. The results show that while the replacement of 25 % of cement by brown coal fly ash leads to length changes around the limit defined by ASTM, the substitution of 50 % cement exceeded the limit by a multiple. The progress of expansion is the very similar for the two geometries tested. In-situ XRD measurements confirmed that while for pastes made of OPC the formation of ettringite is completed after 20 hours, this is not true for the mixtures containing the brown coal fly ash.
In a different study the effect of hydrothermal treatment on the phase composition of ultra-high-performance concrete was analyzed. The results show that the sulfate and aluminate resulting from the decomposition of ettringite are bound into new phases.
If this binding is permanent this might allow the larger use of sulfate bearing raw materials.
Basic oxygen furnace slags (BOFS) are by-products of the steelmaking process. Several researchers have studied the production of Portland cement clinker and metallic iron from BOFS via a reductive treatment.
In this study, we applied a carbothermal reduction of BOFS in a technical-scale electric arc furnace and characterised the clinker-like products. Those clinker-like non-metallic products (NMPs) had a chemical and mineralogical composition comparable to clinker for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and contained large elongated alite crystals as major component. The pure NMPs reacted more slowly and achieved a lower degree of hydration compared with commercial OPC.
If the reactivity of the products can be further increased by employing specific adaptations, it can be used as a full clinker substitute for OPC. Nevertheless, it is also an option to use the material without further modifications as a cement component or concrete addition, which contributes to the strength development in both cases.
Composition and microstructure stability of cement compound under cyclic hydrothermal condition
(2020)
There have been many researches focused on the performance improvement of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) by autoclaving treatment. The goal of autoclaving is to increase the pozzolanic reaction, and to densify the cement stone and the transition zone which originates from the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as silica fume, fly ash and blast furnace slag. Due to the superior properties, UHPC can also be utilized under high mechanical load and aggressive condition, for example, the fabrication of water tanks for thermal storage which is of great significance for saving energy and reducing CO2 emission. It is known that mineral stability of the hydration products of an inorganic binder is highly related to the temperature and pressure of the environment. A certain stable composition at room temperature, however, may undergo a phase transformation at high temperature and the performance decrease under this severe condition will generally be more severe. In this way, the rationale behind this deterioration under long-term hydrothermal condition involving many cycles and long duration has to be clarified, and then appropriate optimizing methods will be performed in order to obtain a kind of construction with high durability under aggressive environment. For this purpose, different types and amounts of SCMs are introduced into the standard mixture of UHPC and the phase compositions after autoclaving at 200 °C and 15.5 bar are determined by combined X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Mercury intrusion porosimeter is used to characterise the microstructure of the samples. In order to establish the relationship between microstructure and macroscopic properties, compressive and flexural strength are also investigated.
Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is known for its high compressive strength of more than 150 MPa and its high durability. Thermal treatment at 90°C can accelerate the strength development so that the 28-days-strength can be achieved immediately after the treatment and an additional increase up to 30 % in some cases. The reason for the strength development is an accelerated hydration of the clinker minerals and an intensified pozzolanic reaction leading to a denser microstructure.
In previous research inhomogeneities in form of a zonation after unprotected thermal treatment were observed and analysed in respect to changes in the microstructure. This zonation is defined by a different microstructure in the core compared to the outer zone in the matter of porosity, mineral phase composition and a significant change in the potassium and sulphur concentration of the zones is measurable.
To isolate different transport mechanisms responsible for these element distributions UHPC samples were thermally treated at 90 °C and the microstructure was investigated under dry conditions and after immersion in water to investigate the influence of dehydration during and rehydration after the thermal treatment on the microstructure. Through durability testing via water absorption, water vapour diffusion, permeability testing and sulfuric acid resistance transport mechanisms like diffusion, migration, capillary suction are under investigation in correlation with the microstructure analysis. For the microstructure analysis measurements with µXRF, mercury intrusion porosity, XRD and SEM were conducted.
Several studies show that thermal and hydrothermal treatment can further improve the excellent properties of UHPC in terms of mechanical strength and durability. While for the thermal treatment the increase in strength is attributed to an intensified pozzolanic and hydraulic reaction, for the hydrothermal treatment previous studies accredited it mostly to the formation of tobermorite. In the presented study thermal and hydrothermal treatment of UHPC samples was systematically varied and the phase formation analysed related to the strength development of a reference sample cured for 28 days in water. For the thermal treatment the results show that the strength increase depends on the protection against desiccation and can be ascribed to an improved pozzolanic reaction of the siliceous fillers. To achieve a significant enhancement of strength, a pre-storage time of few days and a long dwell time at elevated temperature/pressure are required. For the hydrothermal treatment already heating the specimens up to 185 °C in saturated steam followed by an immediate cooling leads to a substantial increase in compressive strength. Pre-storage time did not affect the result as far as a minimum of several hours is guaranteed. The improved performance is due to an increase in the pozzolanic and hydraulic reaction. Surprisingly, tobermorite was only found within a very thin layer at the surface of the sample, but not in the bulk. Sulphate and aluminium stemming from the decomposition of the ettringite are bound in the newly formed phases hydroxylellestadite and hydrogarnet.
Composite Facade Elements with Self-Cleaning Surface made of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)
(2020)
In the framework of the European project H-House various concrete façade elements were developed with the aim to ensure a long service life by combining a very durable material with self-cleaning properties. The façade elements presented are made of a shell of UHPC filled with blocks of aerated autoclaved concrete as insulating material. Self-cleaning properties were realized amongst others by imprinting a microstructure into the surface during casting. The paper focuses on selected technological aspects of the manufacturing process of prototypes which had to be performed in two concreting sections. Furthermore the challenges faced when upscaling the self-cleaning properties are addressed and the strategy to assess the self-cleaning properties by measuring the contact and the roll-off angel is presented. The results show that a successfull upscalaing process requires detailed planning and that the best results can often be achieved with a moderate work effort or material use.
Composite UHPC facade elements with self-cleaning surface: Aspects of technological manufacturing
(2020)
In the framework of the European collaborative project H-House, which was finished in 2017, large façade elements were developed consisting of a box shaped external shell of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with a functionalized surface and an insulation of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The exposed concrete of the elements was further refined by adding self-cleaning properties to the surface through imprinting a microstructure in combination with chemical agents directly in the casting process. The paper focuses on selected technological aspects of the manufacturing process of large-scale prototypes. Presented are results of the upscaling process of functionalized surfaces from small specimen up to large UHPC composite facade elements produced for the construction of a demonstrator.
Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is characterised by its high compressive strength of more than 120 MPa and its high durability. With thermal treatment at 90°C, hydration is accelerated and a strength comparable to the 28-day strength can be achieved immediately after the treatment. In applying Optimum process conditions, the strength can be even further increased by up to 30%. Previous Research showed that thermal treatment can lead to inhomogeneities in form of a visible zonation within the cross-section, if the UHPC is not protected sufficiently from desiccation. This led to the question, to what extent the related changes in mechanical properties, microstructure and phase composition are of relevance for the performance of the UHPC. First investigations of small specimens thermally treated without protection exhibited a decrease of compressive strength, indicating that the zonation aspect requires further research.
In this study the zonation of UHPC treated thermally at 90°C is investigated after applying four different procedures of treatment and curing in comparison. The samples are characterized with respect to their chemistry, mineral composition and microstructure to allow an assessment on durability and strength development, with focus on potential depth dependent changes associated with the zonation.
The measurements reveal the formation of a visible zonation in case of unprotected treatment, if followed by immersion in water. The compressive strength is not significantly impaired, but a decrease in bending strength gives reason for concern. Further results allow clear correlation with changes in pore structure, whereas the interpretation of relationships with phase distribution, degree of hydration, microchemistry is more complex and therefore, provides only partial clarification.
Alkali silica reaction (ASR) is a major concrete durability problem resulting in significant maintenance and reconstruction costs for concrete infrastructures all over the world. To determine whether an aggregate is potentially reactive, accelerated concrete tests are used. Aim of this study is the chemical and microstructural characterization of ASR-products formed under the performance conditions of motorway pavements and during subsequent tests on the remaining ASR susceptibility. Samples were taken from concrete motorway pavements. Some of the samples already showed first indications for beginning damages whereas others showed deteriorations only after applying a performance testing procedure for the estimation of future risk of ASR damage. In a first step ASR-products were identified by polarized light microscopy in thin sections. The reaction products where then analyzed by Raman Spectroscopy and finally the chemical composition of the ASR-products was identified by SEM with EDX.
The results indicate that most reaction products show an increasing Ca/Si-ratio with progressive crack length. If an ASR-product develops inside an aggregate and moves through the cement paste, it has a high (Na+K)/Si-ratio at the beginning which decreases with increasing distance from its place of origin. The Raman spectra of the ASR-products are characterized by two broad bands indicating specific Q-species of different amorphous gel networks. Within the scope of the analysis distinctions in the microstructure and the chemical composition of the ASR-gels were detected relating to various conditions of accelerated testing.
Severe mechanical fatigue conditions for worldwide proliferating windfarms are a Major challenge for high-performance concrete in towers, connecting joints and foundations of wind turbines. High-performance concrete offers potential for the application in offshore windfarms, not only regarding its good mechanical, but also chemical resistivity due to low diffusivity in the highly densified microstructure. For a more reliable fatigue assessment, monitoring based on nondestructive testing can be a valuable complement to design rules. Both approaches demand reliable experimental data, information about scalability and the development of standardized testing methods. This article presents results of an ongoing research program of BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung), which is a part of a joint national project (WinConFat) funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The subproject implemented by BAM examines the fatigue behavior in dependence of size and slenderness for varying concrete strength at different stress levels. Besides fatigue strength, nondestructive testing is carried out additionally.
Methods used are strain measurement and ultrasonic testing. The change of strain, stiffness and ultrasonic pulse velocity in the fatigue process is discussed. Results disclose a deeper insight into the damage process under cyclic loading of high-performance concrete and contribute to improve nondestructive monitoring.
The advantages of treating prefabricated components made of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UCPC) at 90 °C are largely recognized, while hydrothermal treatment at 185 °C and the corresponding saturation pressure of 1.1 MPa, in contrast, is not applied in building practice so far and was studied only by a few researchers.
In the research presented, the parameters pre-storage-time before treatment and dwell time in the autoclave were systematically varied. The results illustrate in which way compressive strength increases with the duration of treatment. Already samples which were only heated up and immediately cooled down show an increase in strength compared to the 28-day reference of about 10 %. After 20 h the maximum increase of about 25 % is reached. Interestingly the compressive strength of samples treated very long hardly decreases. It can be therefore concluded that for the composition investigated the achievable mechanical strength is not severely sensitive regarding the duration of the treatment.
Also, pre-storage times before autoclaving longer than 0.5 days showed no significant impact on strength development.
The phase composition measured by XRD exhibits significant changes compared to the reference. The amount of ettringite and portlandite have vanished, the cement clinker phases are substantially decreased and hydroxylellestadite and hydrogarnet are formed as new phases. The increase in strength can be assigned to an improved pozzolanic and hydraulic reaction. Contradictory to literature, there was found no tobermorite, a mineral which is known to be susceptible for disintegration at Long autoclaving duration. This explains why no significant strength loss appeared.
The low tensile strength of cement-based materials can be improved by the addition of fibres. In a joint research project, an industrial partner designed special coatings for polymer and carbon fibres by integrating surfactants and hydrophilic compounds. Aim of the developed functionalization was to ensure an even coverage of the fibre surfaces and to anchor them chemically in the cement-based matrix. Task of the BAM was to quantify the effect of the improved bond. In a first step a workable mortar adjusted to the strength of the tested fibres was developed and the fibre distribution assessed by light microscopy and computed tomography. To test the new coating for its efficiency to prevent cracking during hardening and to improve the loadbearing behaviour new test setups were developed or existing methods were adjusted.
The experiments showed that the functionalization leads to a reduction of the crack area measured after the exposure of the wet mortar to strong drying conditions in the wind channel. Regarding the Efficiency to mitigate shrinkage cracks the functionalisation turned out to be more efficient for fibres made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) than for carbon fibres. An improvement of the tensile strength after cracking of the cementitious matrix could only be documented for the coated carbon fibres. It could be quantified, however, only in the three-point bending tests because the fibres turned out to be too brittle for the applied single fibre pull-through test.
Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is characterised by its high compressive strength of more than 150 MPa and its high durability. Due to thermal treatment at 90°C a strength comparable to the 28-days-strength can be achieved immediately after the treatment and in some cases can be even further increased up to 30 %. The explanations for the increase in strength are the accelerated hydration of the clinker minerals and the intensified pozzolanic reaction contributing to a denser microstructure and hence, a high performance in compressive strength.
Former research shows that thermal treatment can lead to inhomogeneities in form of a visible zonation within the cross-section. The width of the margin increases with shorter pre-storage time before the thermal treatment and with omitting protective measures against desiccation during the treatment. Specimens exhibiting a zonation typically show a lower compressive strength compared to the undisturbed reference whereas changes in chemistry, mineral content and microstructure were not reported in detail.
In this study the zonation of thermally treated UHPC is investigated with respect to its chemistry, mineral composition and microstructure to allow predictions on durability and strength development. Measurements show a change in pore sizes, minerals phase composition and element distribution leading to the visible zonation and weaker bending tensile strength compared to the reference.
The aim of this study was to develop a lightweight composite facade element for new buildings and for the refurbishment of existing facades. These composite elements have been developed combining an insulation layer of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) with an external ultrahighperformance concrete (UHPC) supporting layer. This solution allows avoiding the use of connectors and facilitates the production procedure. The structural behavior of the facade elements is mainly influenced by the presence of the upturning edges that are able to increase the stiffness of the element and reduce the thickness of the external layer. The insulation material has no influence on the structural behavior of the UHPC boxes. Flexural tests were carried out to investigate a potential detachment of the external layer from the upturning edge. The photogrammetric Analysis used during the flexural tests essentially confirmed that the bond between the two UHPC layers cast in two steps is reliable. The quality of the bond between the external layer and the upturning edge is a key parameter to define the bearing capacity of the element.
By the combination of an optimized granulometry, a reduced water cement ratio and the use of superplasticizers ultra-high performance concrete achieves a compressive strength of over 150 N/mm2 and a high resistance regarding acids and water-soluble salts. In different Research projects the effect of an autoclavation on the mechanical strength and the phase composition was analyzed. In systematic studies, the concrete mix and the process parameters were varied.
The results show that autoclavation leads to an improved pozzolanic and hydraulic reaction and significantly improves the mechanical strength compared to a conventional thermal treatment. If a minimum time-span for hydration is ensured, the achievable strength level is not dependent on the prestorage time. However, the duration of the autoclaving is significant. After the Maximum strength is reached there is only a very slight decrease, even if unrealistically long autoclaving times are applied.
In concrete pavements, damages occurred which are related to an Alkali-Silica-Reaction (ASR). Although the background for such an ASR has been studied extensively, special conditions in pavements increase this reaction significantly. These are especially the superposition of microstructural degradation caused by cyclic loading with an external alkali supply. Previous investigations of ASR focused mainly on the material itself (aggregates, cements, assessment of the concrete) while these special circumstances have not been considered. Concrete pavements are subjected to cyclic loadings by traffic and climate changes.
Within cooperative research projects the different interdependent influencing factors for a damaging ASR in concrete pavements are studied by experiments as well as by numeric modelling. On the micro-level the ASR-related processes within the aggregate, such as gel-formation or ion-transport, are investigated. On the meso-level, the project focuses on the characterization of degradation effects in the concrete microstructure due to cyclic loading. Further, special attention is paid to the transport behavior of fluids in such pre-damaged concrete structures with and without the effect of overrunning tires as well as the impact on the ASR itself. Finally, on the macro-level the risk of an ASR-damage is assessed.
Fatigue induced degradation in pavement concrete and its effect on the alkali-silica reaction
(2018)
In recent years the German motorway network has seen an increase in the occurrence of damage to concrete road surfaces that can be attributed to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In view of the often drastically reduced service life of road surfaces due to ASR, research activity in this field has notably increased. Alongside preventative measures in concrete technology i.e. the usage of low-alkali cements, the main research focus up to now has been on the development of performance-oriented testing procedures for ASR prevention. The effects of mechanicallyinduced damage resulting from cyclic traffic and climatic loading have previously not been taken into consideration.
The assessment of the myriad degradation and transport processes necessary for an understanding of these effects requires close interaction between experiments and corresponding multi-scale models. This contribution is focused on the experiments utilizing innovative testing techniques. The research is founded on a series of fatigue tests performed on large-scale beams with simultaneous tracking of the degradation process using non-destructive evaluation methods. Subsequently, smaller test specimens were extracted from the predamaged beams for further experiments. These experiments included investigation of the influence of fatigue-induced cracks on moisture and alkali transport. Subsequent storage of the small-scale test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment then provided initial findings on the influence of fatigue-induced degradation on the ASR.
The results show that the degradation process can be well observed with the test Setup developed for the fatigue experiments. Further, a small but noticeable increase of mass Transport due to fatigue-induced degradation was measured, which correspondingly indicated an increased ASR damage potential.
The susceptibility of concrete structures due to alkali–silica reaction (ASR) can be assessed by means of ASR concrete prism testing at 60 °C, according to RILEM AAR 4.1. There, expansion of concrete prisms indicates alkali-reactivity of the examined concrete mix. This work applies in situ expansion measurement to accelerated concrete prism testing. Automated measuring facilitates both storage without the usually necessary interruptions for manual measurement and acquisition of quasi-continuousexpansion data. A comparative experimental programme showed that conventional testing resulted in stronger expansion and leaching of alkalis than automated testing. Experimental simulation of interruptions, typically associated with manual measurements in conventional testing, could prove the influence of these cooling–heating cycles. Two phenomenological approaches, frequently used for describing reaction kinetics of ASR by linking it to expansion results from ASR-testing, were validated with continuous expansion data of three types of aggregate. Experimental expansion depicted s-shaped curves similar to them of the modelling approaches. However, strong swelling recorded in the beginning of the test was not covered by the model curves. Auxiliary measurement of acoustic emissions and ultrasonic velocity helped characterising mechanisms such as hydration and cracking, which also influence prism expansion. The proposed modification of the measurement procedure provides an extended basis to analyse expansion mechanisms. Regarding data for validation of ASR-expansion models, continuous expansion results are preferable to conventional test results.
Powder X-ray diffraction is a time-consuming and challenging task, especially for preparation of sensitive phases like ettringite and calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) phases. Fine-grained ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) with an average grain size <100 μm could be investigated directly without time-consuming milling. As a proof of concept, small UHPC cylinders with plain surfaces were investigated with a newly designed sample holder. The comparison with conventionally prepared powder shows the feasibility of fast qualitative phase analysis using this approach. As a great benefit, a depth-dependent analysis, as well as a comparison of surface layers and core material, was carried out.
Unilateral thermal exposure of concrete building components induces moisture transport processes that have a significant influence on the spalling behaviour of dense high-strength concrete (HSC). These transport processes are based on evaporation and condensation mechanisms of liquid and gaseous water in the pores as well as the chemically bound water within the concrete. The low permeability of HSC and the formation of a saturated zone within building components (also known as a moisture clog) leads to high water-vapour pressures, which contributes to explosive spalling. The formation of these pressures has already been verified by means of pore-pressure measurement techniques. In addition, the redistribution of the moisture within concrete specimens subject to unilateral thermal exposure has been demonstrated on fractured surfaces. Investigations by means of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry technique and neutron radiography have shown one-dimensional changes in moisture distribution during thermal exposure.
However, none of these methods has been able to depict the moisture distribution in three dimensions (3D), so the link between pore size, concrete micro-structure and moisture content is missing. The research project presented in this paper aims to fill this gap by developing a new multi-level test methodology to characterise non-destructively the temporal course of spatial moisture distribution during unilateral thermal exposure. The procedure used during this programme included the collection of X-ray 3D-computed tomography (CT) measurements using a miniaturised specimen subjected to in-situ thermal exposure and the comparison of those CT results with the results of one-dimensional NMR-relaxometry before and after the heating process.
In the first step, a mobile heating device was developed, built and tested. To simulate a unilaterally-heated construction component, a cylindrical specimen made of HSC (Ø = 40 mm, L = 100 mm) was cast into an impermeable glass ceramic shell. The ceramic shell ensured a one-dimensional moisture flux and limited the thermal expansion of the concrete. An additional high-temperature wool (HTW) insulating shell ensured a one-dimensional heat flux. The heating device, which operated using infrared radiation (IR), allowed the unilateral heating of the specimens up to 300 °C using variable heating regimes.
In the second step, the mobile heating device was integrated into the CT-scanner, which enabled the collection of measurements before, during and after heating. By subtraction of successive 3D-CT images, X-ray attenuation differences could be resolved three-dimensionally in the specimen and interpreted as changes in the moisture content.
Initial results show that this test methodology can monitor the 3D changes of moisture content inside the specimen during thermal exposure. It enables the researcher to visualise areas with moisture accumulation as well as dehydrated areas inside the specimen. Comparative one-dimensional NMR-relaxometry measurements confirm the results of the CT image analysis.
In concrete elements, simultaneously subjected to cyclic loadings and external alkalis, the risk for damage caused by or under participation of an alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is particularly high. This is of particular concern for concrete pavements due to the increasing heavy vehicle traffic and the application of sodium chloride (NaCl) de-icer during winter. Since 2004, the climate simulation concrete prism test (CS-CPT) has been used successfully to evaluate job mixtures for pavements by considering the impact of alkali-containing de-icers. However, the role of mechanical predamage on ASR is largely unclear. In a joint research project, the CS-CPT has been used to investigate the influence of preexisting microcracks on ASR. It was evident that an ASR initiated earlier in the predamaged concrete prisms due to the more rapid ingress of NaCl solution through the microcracks.
A further improvement of the excellent properties of UHPC can be realized with thermal Treatment. Like for normal concrete, it accelerates the hardening and prevents shrinkage after the treatment. Additionally, an increase in strength can be achieved. Aim of this study was the optimisation of the thermal Treatment conditions of UHPC for very different Treatment methods; heat Treatment at 90 °C for unprotected and sealed samples, hot water bath at 90 °C and hydrothermal Treatment at 185 °C/1.1 MPa. The pre-storage time and the dwell time were systematically varied for each method to gain a higher strength. The compressive strength depends on the manner of Treatment at which higher water accessibility leads to higher strengths. The Phase composition changes considerably with different Treatment tempereatures. Finally, it can activate unhydrated binder components forming additional C-S-H, leading to higher strength.
A further improvement of the excellent properties of UHPC can be realized with thermal Treatment. Like for normal concrete, it accelerates the hardening and prevents shrinkage after the treatment. Additionally, an increase in strength can be achieved. Aim of this study was the optimisation of the thermal Treatment conditions of UHPC for very different Treatment methods; heat Treatment at 90 °C for unprotected and sealed samples, hot water bath at 90 °C and hydrothermal Treatment at 185 °C/1.1 MPa. The pre-storage time and the dwell time were systematically varied for each method to gain a higher strength. The compressive strength depends on the manner of Treatment at which higher water accessibility leads to higher strengths. The Phase composition changes considerably with different Treatment tempereatures. Finally, it can activate unhydrated binder components forming additional C-S-H, leading to higher strength.
The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of mechanical pre-damage and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) on the fracture mechanical properties of pavement concrete. For this purpose, a four point bending test was applied to large format beams to produce a defined level of cyclic pre-damage. The fatigue-induced concrete degradation process was simultaneously recorded using a testing procedure specifically developed for the purpose. In addition, fatigue-induced cracks on extracted drilling cores were spatially visualized and quantified using micro X-ray 3D-computed tomography (3D-CT). The storage of the small-format test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment showed that pre-damage leads to an increase in ASR damage processes. Subsequent structural mechanical investigations on small format specimens with and without pre-damage show that fatigue loading and ASR significantly influence fracture mechanical parameters of the concrete.
Polysaccharides are incorporated into cement based Systems in order to modify the rheological properties. Typically, cellulose ethers, sphingan gums, guar gum or starch ethers are applied. Depending upon their chemistry, molecular architecture, and adsorption tendency, polysaccharides interact differently with the entire cementitious system. Some stabilising agents like diutan gum mainly affect the cementitious paste; other stabilising agents like starch tend to interact with the sand fraction and even with the coarse aggregates. Cellulose and guar gum shows more diverse performances.
Typically stabilising admixtures like polysaccharides are used, when sophisticated rheological properties are adjusted. Therefore, polysaccharides are often used in combination with superplasticisers, which are added to reduce the yield stress of concrete. This can cause interactions, particularly when the stabilising Agent shows a strong tendency to adsorb on particle surfaces. Adsorptive stabilising agents may reduce the amount of adsorbed superplasticisers, thus affecting both viscosity and yield stress, while non-adsorptive stabilising agents mainly affect the plastic viscosity independently of the superplasticiser. Due to the strong influence of superplasticisers on the yield stress, influences of the stabilising agent on the yield stress retreat into the background, so that their major effect is an increase of the plastic viscosity.
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how different polysaccharide superplasticisers affect cementitious flowable systems and points out the challenges of the combined use of polysaccharides and superplasticisers. Based on rheometric experiments and observations of the hydration process, time dependent effects on the workability as well as of the hydration of cement are presented and discussed.
The accelerated concrete prism test (ACPT-60 °C) facilitates testing of alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates within five months. Manual measurement is usually conducted to determine expansion of test specimen every 28 days. This conventional procedure gives only limited insight to expansion behaviour of ASR-affected prisms. Due to the large time intervals, expansion exceeding the critical value of 0.3 mm/m is likely to be noticed late. Continuous recording resolves this problem and delivers beneficial information on the shape of the expansion curve.
Displacement transducers integrated into a special testing equipment developed at BAM put continuous measurement into practice. Additionally, ultrasonic velocity and acoustic emissions are measured in-situ and provide deeper insights into hydration and crack formation processes during the test.
Aiming for an automated testing method close to the German guideline, the following technical and methodical challenges arise. Changing of the vertical orientation of the prisms with every manual measurement as standardised cannot be implemented. Furthermore, preliminary results already proved true that cooling and heating cycles, as necessarily associated with each manual measurement, can evoke additional expansion. Therefore, interrupted and continuously measured expansions reveal systematic differences, indicating the necessity to adjust the threshold expansion value for automated testing.
Results presented in the paper: Different types of reactive aggregate have been tested applying continuous and manual expansion measurement to the concrete specimens. Development of continuously measured ultrasonic velocity and acoustic emissions of the aggregates tested diverge significantly while the expansion curves vary in shape and maximum strain. Prisms produced from a slowly reacting aggregate do not exhibit noticeable crack formation. It shows that comprehensive measuring helps describing and distinguishing ASR-damage mechanisms.
Models of ASR-induced expansion, available in the open literature, so far are validated with discontinuous data hardly tracing the modelled curve. Continuous measurement improves validation and further model development.
A significant number of German concrete motorway pavements have shown damage only a few years after construction. The alkali-silica-reaction (ASR) is often one of the reasons for this damage. German guidelines and regulations focus on the optimisation of the concrete composition to avoid damage due to ASR. Moreover, diverse research projects have dealt with the development and optimisation of ASR performance test methods with and without external alkali supply. However, the influence of other parameters on the occurrence and intensity of a damaging ASR had not yet been taken into account. Such parameters include, e.g., insufficient curing and the modifications of concrete’s porosity due to the use of slip form pavers. Likewise, the increased traffic loading had not yet been considered. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) assesses these parameters and processes in a number of projects. These projects aim primarily to increase the durability of the concrete pavements, in particular by improving preventive measures that may be taken before or after the construction of concrete pavements. This paper gives a short overview of BAM’s projects concerning ASR in concrete pavements. Furthermore, results regarding the influence of the cyclic traffic loading on ASR are presented.
The susceptibility of different aggregate types used in concrete to ASR is strongly associated with their petrography. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of the aggregate size on the ASR potential, in particular applied to the sand fractions in the size range of 0.125-4 mm. The investigation concept is based on the hypothesis that at a specific particle size reactive aggregates could change their characteristic influence in mitigating ASR instead of promoting it. For the study of the size dependent behaviour mortars are prepared, considering aggregates of different reactivity, including very reactive, slow-late and quasi non-reactive types. The analysis is based on a stepwise substitution concept, in which mortars with a constant overall grain size distribution are compared, while only one size fraction of the non-reactive base aggregate is substituted by a reactive aggregate type of this specific size fraction. For the expansion experiments an accelerated mortar bar test (80°C, immersed in NaOH solution) was applied. The results show that the slow-late reactive greywacke yielded a strong reduction of the expansion below an aggregate size in the range of 0.5-1 mm. On the other side with the very reactive borosilicate glass, the expansions increased steadily with decreasing size. To validate if the acquired expansions were caused by ASR, thin sections were analysed. Mainly, higher expansion values were consistent with extensively more amounts of ASR indicators.
In recent years the German motorway network has seen an increase in the occurrence of damage to concrete road surfaces which can be attributed to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In view of the often drastically reduced life expectancy of road surfaces due to ASR, research activity in this field has notably increased. Alongside preventative measures in concrete technology, the main research focus up to now has been the development of performance-oriented testing procedures for ASR prevention. This included more specifically the accelerated simulation of climatic effects and external alkali penetration on road surfaces. The effects of mechanical pre-damage resulting from cyclic traffic loading and climatic impact had previously not been taken into consideration. Since 2011, the five-partner research group 1498 sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG) has been pursuing research on how simultaneous cyclic loading and external alkali penetration impacts destructive ASR in road surface concretes. The depiction of the myriad degradation and transport processes necessary for an understanding of these effects requires close interaction between experiments and their multi-scale modelling. This paper aims to focus on the aforementioned experiments by means of innovative testing techniques. The research is founded on a series of cyclic fatigue tests performed on large-format beams, both with and without previous application of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, with simultaneous tracking of crack development. Subsequently, smaller test specimens were extracted from the pre-damaged beams for further experiments. These included the spatial visualization and quantification of fatigue-induced cracks using micro X-ray 3D-computed tomography (3D-CT). Additionally, the effects of fatigue-induced cracks on alkali transport were investigated using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Subsequent storage of the small-format test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment then provided initial findings on the influence of fatigue-induced predamage on the ASR.
Thermal treatment improves the excellent properties of UHPC. Recent studies have shown that an increase in compressive strength of more than 30 % is possible. However, the accurate conditions of thermal treatment for a maximal strength are considered as yet undetermined. A multitude of parameters can be varied: temperature, pressure, water saturation, and duration of the process steps. These parameters influence the phase development and in consequence the macroscopic properties of UHPC. The primary objective of the presented study was the optimisation of the conditions for thermal treatment, concerning compressive strength. It focuses on pre-storage time and duration of the treatment at defined temperatures and pressures (90 °C and 185 °C/1.1MPa).
As expected, experimental results showed a fundamental change of phase composition in hydrothermally treated UHPC in comparison to standard cured UHPC: Ettringite decomposes at higher temperatures and is absent after thermal treatment; the amount of portlandite and clinker phases decreases. The change of phase composition is accompanied by increased compressive strength.
Experimental studies of calcium-silicate-systems at hydrothermal conditions predict the formation of the crystalline C-S-H phase tobermorite. In fact, this is a typical phase occurring in other hydrothermally treated calcium-silicate-systems like Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC). Commonly, high strength is attributed to the presence of tobermorite; however, in the presented study tobermorite was not detected in the hydrothermally treated UHPC. Therefore, tobermorite cannot be responsible for the increased strength of hydrothermally treated UHPC.
In conclusion the development of phases and strength of UHPC at hydrothermal conditions differs fundamentally from AAC and the experimental studies with water saturation. Results of these systems cannot be transferred to UHPC. In thermally treated UHPC, the hydration of clinker is enhanced and the puzzolanic reaction is intensified. Hence, more C-S-H is formed that fills pores and cracks, leading to a denser structure and finally to higher strength.
The exact mechanisms of the phase transitions caused by a combined sulphate-chloride attack are discussed controversially. The main points concern the mutual influences of sulphate and chloride ions during the secondary binding processes of these anions within cement hydrate phases. We simulated combined sulphate-chloride attack under laboratory conditions using solutions containing NaCl and Na2SO4 in different concentrations. Three sample compositions were used for the preparation of the specimens. In two of them, 30% of Portland cement was replaced by supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, slag). The phase distribution in the samples was determined using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The analysis with high spatial resolution allows the localisation of the secondary phase formation in the microstructural profile of the sample. A mechanism of the phase developments under combined sulphate-chloride attack is derived.
In Germany, a quantity of more than 10 million metric tons of masonry rubble is generated per year. With regard to a sustainable closed substance cycle waste management, these rest masses have to be recovered if possible. The end-of-life (EOL) phase of masonry includes the planning steps of demolition, processing and application. The choice of the most sustainable solution raises questions regarding material technology, plant engineering, economic efficiency and ecological issues. For this purpose, a methodological concept for a holistic assessment of the EOL phase of masonry is developed within the scope of a doctoral thesis. For the assessment the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) is adapted. The assessment concept enables a holistic comparison of different EOL scenarios for masonry while integrating all planning steps. It combines Material Flow Analysis (MFA), Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Life Cycle Working Environment (LCWE), economic evaluation methods and material testing. In future, various scenarios can be evaluated with regard to the goals of the European and German waste management industry.